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Description

We're not going to get hung up on how rare a 1972 Pontiac Firebird is (fairly) or how much money was spend on this (a lot) or even how famous the guy who built it is (Ken Smith). What we are going to talk about is that this spectacular 1972 Pontiac Firebird resto-mod is one of the finest F-body builds we've seen in a very long time, a car that's fast, comfortable, and totally sorted. Need a car to cruise AND win some trophies? This is it!

The all-new second generation Firebird shape lends itself rather well to the pro-touring treatment since it was already long, lean, and low. Finished in beautiful Audi Salsa Red paint, this one isn't going to be able to stay out of sight for long, and by adding a set of carbon-fiber looking stripes down the center, along with the requisite body mods, it has a Trans Am look that's very appealing. The guys who built it are professionals at the top of their game, so finish quality is exemplary, with great gaps, a deep shine, and no notable demerits in the appearance department. We love the contrasting hood scoop that makes it look like the engine is doing something special under the hood, and the factory spoilers, vents, and nose all give it a predatory stance. Proper Trans Am decals were installed as needed and even the parts that were chrome from the factory were restored, not replaced or painted, so it looks quite correct. You probably haven't driven a vintage F-body that feels this tight, and that means these guys got it right.

The interior got the same kind of makeover: slight upgrades but mostly sticking to the factory recipe. The biggest change is a pair of ProCar bucket seats that are a lot more supportive than the originals, yet they look right at home in this resto-mod. On the other hand, the very cool 3-spoke steering wheel, engine-turned dashboard, and center console are all factory-issue; after all, why mess with a good thing? Obviously everything is new, from the headliner to the carpets and again, fit and finish are excellent. The gauges are hooked up and work with the upgraded motor, there's a vintage-looking KC Harrison radio with MP3 input, and all the wiring is new. Factory A/C blows cold thanks to new hardware behind the scenes, and there's a tilt steering column to make it comfortable for just about anyone.

The engine is a pro-built 1970 455 HO unit that's been bored .030 oversize, fitted with a set of Edelbrock D-port aluminum heads, an Edelbrock intake manifold, and a Holley Trick Flow carburetor. Sitting under that air scoop it looks quite correct, especially with Pontiac Turquoise paint on the block. They did add a set of beautiful cast valve covers, but other than the updated A/C and alternator, the engine bay looks fairly stock. It's putting out big power, but the built Stage 3 200-4R 4-speed automatic transmission doesn't seem to mind. And true to form as a Trans Am, this one loves to go around corners, complements of a full Hotchkiss suspension, subframe connectors, QA1 coil-over shocks, and an ultra-rare Herb Adams rear sway bar. Yeah, it's legit. It's also fitted with Baer 4-wheel disc brakes that give it the stopping power it demands. The 10-bolt rear end is fitted with 3.73 gears on a limited slip and Moser axles, so it has no trouble hooking up, but with that overdrive transmission, it cruises at 80 MPH spinning only 2750 RPM. Nice! The hunkered-down suspension looks fantastic, especially framing those gorgeous 17-inch "snowflake" reproductions from Year One, which are wrapped in 255/40/17 front and 275/40/17 rear Continental performance radials.

This car is almost entirely new from end to end and is filled with the best of everything. With performance, comfort, and style in equal measure, perhaps the most shocking thing about this car is its relatively affordable price tag. Call today!